April 10, 1891: William Boles

Today we learn about an Ohio lynching through the pages of The Wilmington Messenger (Wilmington, N. C.) dated April 11, 1891:

A MURDERER LYNCHED.

A Mob Takes a Man from the Jail at Kenton and Hangs Him.

COLUMBUS, O., April 10.—A special to the Evening Dispatch from Kenton, Ohio, says:  A mob containing from seventy-five to one hundred men hung William Boles this morning at 2 o'clock. The mob was perfectly organized and drilled. It assembled at about 1 o'clock and stationed armed guards, who allowed no one to pass their lines. A side door of the county jail was battered in and about seventy-five men entered. The sheriff was overpowered and the keys, after some search were found. Boles' cell door was opened and he was ordered to put on his trousers. He was then hurried across the road, a noose was adjusted and the rope thrown over a limb.

Boles was pulled from his feet and left hanging.

Boles begged piteously while the noose was being adjusted, but the men were resolute. The mob was an orderly one and did no further damage. They wore black hoods concealing their faces, long overcoats and rubber boots. They had a leader and were trained to signals and were commanded ehtirely [sic] in whispers. About 3 o'clock the body was cut down by order of Justice Runnell and taken to the city hall.

Boles and two accomplices, on Tuesday night, March 31st, murdered Edward Harper, a policeman, who was attempting to arrest Boles. The accomplices, Lake and Noel, were not molested. Boles was not considered very strong mentally.

The lynching was not unexpected, but has been threatened for some time. It had been set for Wednesday night, but, owing to the fact becoming known, it was postponed. Everything is quiet and no further disorder is anticipated.

Thank you for joining me and as always, I hope I leave you with something to ponder.